This book examines the role of interlocutors and their individual differences (IDs) in second language (L2) development from four theoretical lenses: the cognitive-interactionist approach, sociocultural theory, the variationist approach, and complex dynamic systems theory. A theoretical overview to each approach is written by a preeminent scholar…

This paper identifies the need for a deliberate approach to theory building in the context of researching cognitive and learning style differences in human performance. A case for paradigm shift and a focus upon research epistemology is presented, building upon a recent critique of style research. A proposal for creating paradigm shift is made,…

Combines meta-analysis and process analysis to clarify the nature and magnitude of gender differences in cognitive, psychosocial, and physical tasks and their implications for mathematics and science careers. Findings indicate that learning and working environments should be redesigned to promote gender equality. (FMW)

This study compared learning style preferences among gifted African-American (n=54), Mexican-American (n=61), and American-born Chinese (n=40) middle grade students attending Chicago, Illinois, public schools. Significant ethnic, gender, and grade differences were found. All three groups preferred studying in the afternoon and bright light and did…

The field dependent-independent cognitive style has been noted by researchers to be related to mathematical achievement. Researchers have also noted a relationship between field dependence and measures of intelligence, and between sex and mathematical achievement. A multiple regression framework was used to examine the effects of field dependence,…

Psychologists and educators interested in factors that might influence mathematical ability have examined intelligence, motivation, and attitudes toward mathematics. More recently, sex role and cognitive style have entered the picture. The relationships among intelligence, field dependence, sex role, mathematics background, and mathematical…

This paper presents an empirical positivist approach to an educational research problem: what factors influence the educational achievement of Maltese-Australian children in Melbourne Schools? The research tested the hypothesis that Maltese-Australian students were more field dependent than Anglo-Celtic Australians and what the role of cognitive…

Reports two studies comparing responses of Filipino and Nepalese students to learning process questionnaires to those for Australian and Hong Kong students. Presents evidence for a similar structure of learning processes in each culture. Concludes that little evidence supports the contention that Asian learners are more prone to rote learning than…

This study was conducted to determine how the pattern of learning on an abstract concept, plate tectonics, differed between groups of different cognitive levels, sex, and intelligence quotient (IQ). The intensive time-series design was used to examine the achievement of eighth grade and ninth grade earth science students. The unique characteristic…

Based on current models of problem solving within cognitive psychology, this study focused on the spontaneous problem solving strategies used by children as they first learned LOGO computer programming, and on strategy transformations that took place during the problem solving process. The research consisted of a six weeks programming training…

A cross-age technique was used in two studies to extend understanding of cognitive style development and its cross-cultural generality. Chinese-American children were given the Matching Familiar Figures Test. Results were compared with existing data to determine the style development of children from other cultures. (PCB)

Research has shown that race, social class, and gender influence teacher expectations of student performance. To investigate teacher expectations for the academic performance and future occupational status of white and Asian elementary school children, and the teacher attributions for their performance, 25 white elementary school teachers (23…

This study investigated whether significant group, gender, and grade differences existed in the learning style preferences of high school students with learning disabilities (n=53) and gifted students (n=64). Findings indicated significant group differences in preferences for light, design, and kinesthetic modality, as well as for motivation,…

A study was conducted to investigate the comprehensibility of microcomputer-generated color graphics that are displayed on monochromatic monitors. Subjects were 64 second, third, and fourth graders who were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. Children in the first treatment were asked to identify, on a monochrome monitor, a figure that was…

A study of exceptional secondary school biology teachers was conducted to determine what factors might be important in encouraging young women to remain on the "science track" during high school. Each teacher had a record of encouraging his/her female students to enroll in further science and mathematics courses. Three questions were…